The UK socialises more online, still not switching to better broadband

A new survey has revealed that the internet has become so popular now that more people are choosing to socialise online rather than in person. This new research has shed more light on the continued rise of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and MSN Messenger by claiming that 780,000 individuals in the UK spend 24 days a year in total on social networking sites.

A new survey has revealed that the internet has become so popular now that more people are choosing to socialise online rather than in person. This new research has shed more light on the continued rise of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and MSN Messenger by claiming that 780,000 individuals in the UK spend 24 days a year in total on social networking sites.

The survey of 10,500 broadband users by uSwitch revealed that the average Briton spends 6 days a year on such sites and 34 days a year in total online. This compares with the average of 22 days a year spent going out and socialising in real life, according to the survey.

According to the survey, women are more likely to use social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, with the sites actually overtaking shopping, internet banking and downloading music as the UK’s most popular online activity.

However despite having one of the most used and competitive online markets in Europe, 74% of broadband customers did not switch suppliers last year, and an astonishing 42% have never switched at all. This is surprising as people can save up to £240 a year by switching to a better supplier.

7.8 million people pay between £15 to £30 a month for their broadband with the average at £18 a month for the service they receive. 60% of users are potentially paying more than they should be for their contracts, collectively wasting £749 million a year, or £62.4 million a month.

The past 18 months has seen a massive price war in broadband and it is up to the customers to reap the benefits. ISPs such as Virgin Media, PlusNet, Pipex and more now offer broadband for £10.

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uSwitch Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 312850. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA website.